Seattle Seahawks stockpile defensive ends via free agency

Seahawks sign Michael Bennett

When the Seahawks added Michael Bennett today, it meant they had added two of the top three pass rushers in free agency this season.

Signing Bennett to a one year $5 million contract is a clear sign that Pete Carroll and John Schneider believe this football team is on the verge of a Super Bowl run.

They are putting the final pieces together to make a push for the summit.

After the Seahawks signed Cliff Avril, I assumed that they were not done making moves. They still had room under the cap, even while holding on to Matt Flynn and Ben Obomanu’s large contracts.

What I did not expect was for the Seahawks to pursue another defensive end.

Earlier in the day Dolphin’s beat writer Omar Kelly tweeted, “I ratedMichael Bennett as the second best free agent in the 2013 class. Only player I put him behind was Mike Wallace.”

After hearing that Bennett had been picked up by the Seahawks he tweeted, “I’m clearly missing something.”

Putting stock in sacks

ESPN’s Mike Sando pointed out that Chris Clemons, Bruce Irvin, Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett totaled 38 sacks during the 2012 regular season. To put that in perspective, only 10 teams had more sacks then those 4 players.

Seattle now has 4 of the top 30 pass rushers in the NFL, based off of last season’s sack total.

How they will work together

The newest member of the Seahawks D-line; Michael Bennett (Photo: Google)

We have all heard the term “Change off pace” used when referring to running backs.

As I was watching film on Bennett I realized that he is like a change of pace defensive end in regards to Chris Clemons and Cliff Avril.

Both Clemons and Avril are fast players who get after the quarterback with their speed. Bennett is powerful end that will beat a tackle with his bull-rush.

Bennett is powerful enough, and large enough, that he can play defensive tackle in passing situation to create pressure.

He played defensive tackle on occasion it Tampa in those situations. Signing him should help to lessen the blow from the loss of Jason Jones.

Michael also plays the run well. I would say that he is as good, if not better than Chris in that department and definitely better than Cliff.

A few things to keep in mind about the Bennett signing are:

Last season was by far Michael’s best. He had 9.0 sacks in 2012 whereas he only had 6.0 in his first three combined.

This is a one year contract, meaning he will be playing to prove he’s not a one year wonder.

His $5 million this season puts the Seahawks a little tight in the cap room department for this season and probably means the Seahawks will follow up by releasing Ben Obomanu or trading Matt Flynn to free up cap space. They could do both.

Another great move by the Seahawks’ front office.

I assume the Seahawks must be favored to win the Super Bowl.

Even the 49ers’ fans are starting to admit they are getting worried about the Seahawks. At least the ones who know football and aren’t lying to themselves.